On This Day: What happened on 1 December?

Here’s a look at what happened on this day, 1 December, throughout history. We remember the news, events, and people that influenced the course of history forever.

ON THIS DAY: 1 DECEMBER

1880 | On the 20th anniversary of railways in South Africa, the construction of the railway line connecting Durban and Pietermaritzburg is completed.

1987 | Julius Nyerere, Tanzanian politician addresses delegates attending the African National Congress (ANC) conference in the Tanzanian city of Arusha. He supported the struggle against apartheid. 

1988 | For the first time World Aids Day is noticed internationally.  

1999 | Robben Island listed as a World Heritage Site by Dutch explorers.

1999 | The Department of Agriculture implement The Genetically Modified (GMO) Act to ensure bio-safety on GMO activities.

2019 | Coronavirus first case is discovered. 

READ: On This Day: What happened on 30 November?

DEATHS

1978 | First president of Transkei, Chief Botha Sigcau

1986 | Medical practitioner & political activist, Dr Fabian Defu Ribeiro (53) 

1986 | Teacher & businesswoman, Florence Barbara Ribeiro (53)

2012 | South African lawyer and judge, Arthur Chaskalson (81)

BIRTHDAYS

1942 | Minister of Foreign Affairs in Egypt, Mohamed Kamel Amr

1948 | Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa

1965 | South African rugby player, Henry Honiball

SPORT

1974 | Davis Cup tennis title is awarded to South Africa after India did not travel to South Africa due to the apartheid protests.

1996 | South African cricket team beat India by 329 runs in their second Test In Kolkata. Gary Kirsten was named man of the match.

ENTERTAINMENT

2003 | The Lord of the Rings final movie ‘The Return of the King’ is released in Wellington, New Zealand.

2014 | Hobbit final movie ‘Battle of the Five Armies’ is released in London.

AFRICA FACT

Lagos is the largest city in Africa with a population of 21 million.